Cinnamon Roll French Toast: The Ultimate Brunch Recipe

Cinnamon roll french toast: just the name alone conjures up images of cozy weekend mornings, doesn’t it? Imagine biting into a slice of golden-brown, perfectly crisped French toast, infused with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s like a hug on a plate, and trust me, you’re going to want to make this recipe again and again!

While French toast itself boasts a rich history, dating back to ancient Rome, the addition of cinnamon roll flavors is a more modern, delightful twist. It’s a brilliant fusion of two beloved breakfast staples, creating a decadent treat that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Think of it as a celebration of indulgence, perfect for special occasions or simply when you need a little pick-me-up.

People adore this dish for so many reasons. The combination of the soft, custardy interior of the French toast with the gooey, cinnamon-spiced swirl is simply irresistible. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the richness of the bread. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can customize it with your favorite toppings, like fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Ultimately, cinnamon roll french toast is a crowd-pleaser because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s a guaranteed way to start your day with a smile!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Cinnamon Rolls:
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 cup milk, warmed to 110-115°F
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
• For the Filling:
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• For the French Toast Batter:
  • 6 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
• For Cooking:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
  • Cooking spray
• For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk, or more as needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Making the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm milk. Let it stand for 5 minutes until foamy. This ensures the yeast is active.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the melted butter and egg to the yeast mixture. Whisk to combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. The dough should be slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. I usually put mine in a slightly warmed oven (turned off!) to create a cozy environment.

Preparing the Cinnamon Roll Filling:

1. Mix the Filling Ingredients: While the dough is rising, prepare the filling. In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and well combined. This is where the magic happens!

Assembling the Cinnamon Rolls:

1. Roll Out the Dough: Once the dough has doubled, punch it down to release the air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and roll it into a large rectangle, about 12×18 inches.
2. Spread the Filling: Spread the cinnamon-sugar filling evenly over the dough, leaving a small border along one of the long edges.
3. Roll Up the Dough: Starting from the opposite long edge, tightly roll the dough into a log. Pinch the seam to seal.
4. Cut the Rolls: Using a sharp serrated knife or unflavored dental floss, cut the log into 1-inch thick slices. You should get about 12-15 rolls.
5. Second Rise: Place the cinnamon rolls in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, leaving a little space between each roll. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until puffy.
6. Bake the Rolls: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cinnamon rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool slightly before frosting.

Preparing the French Toast Batter:

1. Whisk the Ingredients: In a large, shallow dish (like a baking dish or pie plate), whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Make sure everything is nicely incorporated for the best flavor.

Making the Cinnamon Roll French Toast:

1. Slice the Cinnamon Rolls: Gently slice each cinnamon roll in half horizontally, creating two flat surfaces. This will allow the batter to soak in nicely.
2. Soak the Cinnamon Rolls: Dip each half of the cinnamon roll into the French toast batter, making sure to coat both sides. Let them soak for about 15-20 seconds per side, allowing the batter to penetrate the roll. Don’t oversoak, or they’ll become soggy!
3. Cook the French Toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Once the butter is melted and the skillet is hot, place the soaked cinnamon roll halves onto the skillet, flat-side down.
4. Cook Each Side: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to burn them! Adjust the heat as needed.
5. Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining cinnamon roll halves, adding more butter to the skillet as needed.

Making the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1. Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Add Milk and Vanilla: Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Assembling and Serving:

1. Drizzle with Glaze: Place the cooked cinnamon roll French toast on a serving plate and drizzle generously with the cream cheese glaze.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve immediately and enjoy! You can also add some fresh berries or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and presentation. This is best enjoyed warm, right after cooking.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a weekend celebration disguised as a simple dish! I truly believe this Cinnamon Roll French Toast recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a little indulgence in the morning (or, let’s be honest, any time of day!). The combination of the warm, comforting cinnamon roll flavor with the custardy goodness of French toast is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that brings smiles to faces and makes even the gloomiest Monday morning feel a little brighter.

But why is it so special? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up a batch of this deliciousness. The recipe is straightforward, using readily available ingredients, and the results are consistently fantastic. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cinnamon rolls (if you ever have any!). It transforms them into something even more spectacular, giving them a new lease on life and preventing any precious cinnamon-y goodness from going to waste.

And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve outlined my favorite way to prepare it, feel free to get creative and experiment with different variations. For a truly decadent experience, try adding a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. Or, if you’re feeling fruity, fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries would be a delightful addition. A sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. You could even try using different types of cinnamon rolls – maybe a cream cheese frosting-filled version for extra richness, or a caramel pecan cinnamon roll for an even more intense flavor profile.

For serving suggestions, I personally love pairing this Cinnamon Roll French Toast with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a balanced sweet and savory breakfast. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a steaming cup of coffee complements the flavors perfectly. And if you’re serving it for brunch, consider adding a mimosa or a bellini to the mix for a truly festive occasion. It’s also a fantastic option for a special occasion breakfast, like birthdays, anniversaries, or even just a lazy Sunday morning. Imagine surprising your loved ones with this delightful treat – they’ll be forever grateful!

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your griddle, and get ready to experience the magic of Cinnamon Roll French Toast.

I’m incredibly eager to hear about your experience making this recipe! Did you try any variations? Did you add any special toppings? What did your family and friends think? Please, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. I love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine.